Many inexperienced homeowners assume that once they've got the title to their Brampton real estate in their hands, it's theirs for good no matter what happens. But the sad reality is that if you fall behind on your mortgage payments, the bank can and will take your home away from you. This process is called foreclosure and in tough economic times like these, it happens to a surprisingly large number of people. Don't let your new Boston home slip through your fingers.

If you find that you're having trouble meeting your payments and are worried that foreclosure may be the bank's next move, you don't have to give up your Eve condo without a fight. You can turn to the city of Boston's Foreclosure Prevention program. It's designed to help people like you keep their homes, and more importantly, to help you make decisions that will be financially sustainable in the future.

The program dates back to 1996, when a rash of foreclosures nationwide was threatening the citizens of Boston. At the time, the major problem was that some less than trustworthy companies were enticing citizens into taking out large mortgages that they couldn't afford by automatically approving them. To combat the epidemic, the mayor created the Boston Home Center to educate Bostonians about mortgages and renting. The center is still active to this day and its services are free of charge. To contact the Boston Home Center, you can call 617.635.HOME.

Since the 1990s, the foreclosure prevention program has expanded to include ad campaigns that warn people of the dangers of buying homes that are as expensive as downtown Toronto real estate and an approved lenders list of mortgage providers who have agreed to follow the city's specially laid out terms that are favorable to homeowners and offer them more recourse. There's even a program that allows potential buyers to meet and speak with lenders face to face before they commit.

The most important part of not ending up turning to bankruptcy attorneys in Southern California after you lose your home is financial solvency, credit counseling beyond mortgages is also offered through the Boston Home Center. For those in desperate need, there's also more than $21 million in funding available through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. It can be used to buy or improve a foreclosed home or to keep a family home from going into foreclosure.